AirAsia bosses step aside amid Airbus bribery probe

AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes and chairman Kamarudin Meranun have stepped down while an investigation takes place into bribery allegations relating to Airbus.

In a joint statement, the pair said: "We categorically deny any and all allegations of wrongdoing or misconduct on our part as directors of AirAsia

"We would not harm the very companies that we spent our entire lives building up to their present global status."

But they said they were stepping down, with immediate effect, for two months or 'such other period that the companies may deem fit' while an independent investigation takes place.

On Saturday, AirAsia issued a statement denying it was paid a bribe of $50 million to buy 180 planes from Airbus.

The allegations emerged after Airbus agreed to pay $4 billion in fines to settle accusations of corruption.

AirAsia's statement said: "AirAsia is deeply concerned that these allegations will have an adverse and negative impact on the AirAsia brand, reputation and goodwill.

"AirAsia is monitoring developments in this matter and will review any allegations or negative inferences concerning or affecting AirAsia and/or any of its executives and will fully cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the relevant authorities where required."